Prepare for Business Disruptions

Introduction

During disrupting events such as pandemic or inclement weather, you may be able to use technology tools to help you sustain your department's operations from a remote location (i.e. home). UW Information Technology has compiled this UW Administrative Business Continuity Toolkit to give you some ideas on how to prepare for when the unexpected happens. Prepare now!

As part of your preparations, protect your remote location computers with anti-virus software to help ensure they will be reliable when you need them.

Creating a Communications Plan

You should plan how your staff will receive and provide important departmental updates and information during emergency events. Some ideas include:

Use your department's internal Web page. Make sure enough people know how to update the Web page information.

Working Remotely

There are a number of different ways you can remotely access your work information and systems. Check with your local IT support staff for help.

Connect to the UW Computer Network

You may be able to connect to the UW network through your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Learn more.

If you do not have an ISP, you may be able to connect to the UW Network through the campus modem pool. Learn more.

Connect to Your Work Computer Using Remote Desktop Access

Remote desktop access allows you to access your work computer using another computer with a connection to the Internet. Your icons, programs, and printers are all available. You can even transfer files between your systems. In order to use remote desktop access:

Your work computer will need to remain on (you can be logged out, but the computer must not be turned off).

You will need to know your work computer's current IP address or name. (If you need help finding your IP address, contact your local IT support staff.

You should be able to access many UW Administrative Systems from your laptop or home computer. It is important to check your ability to access these systems ahead of time (before an event). If you use additional authentication devices (i.e. SecurID) to access systems, you need to bring those with you to the remote location.

Check with your local IT support staff for help.

If you have a computer available at work, you should be able to use Remote Desktop Access to connect to your work computer and then access UW Administrative Systems in the usual way.

You can install a terminal emulator programs, such as Tera Term, to access systems (e.g. FIN, PAS, HEPPS).

Extending your calls simultaneously to both your campus and home or cellular phones using Extension to Cellular.

Downloading Avaya IP Softphone software to your laptop or home PC so you can answer and process your office calls remotely on these devices.

Installing a campus telecommuter line/phone at your home or other remote location, allowing you to use your campus telephone wherever you are. You will have access to your campus phone number, voicemail, 5-digit dialing, and all other features you have on your campus phone.